EPFO Sgr hosts seminar on employment linked incentive scheme

Srinagar, July 23: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Srinagar, Wednesday organised a seminar on the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme at Aarifeen School of Excellence, Baramulla. The initiative is part of EPFO’s ongoing outreach to raise awareness about employment-linked benefits among local businesses and stakeholders.A statement issued here said that the seminar aimed to educate both employers and employees about the key features, operational mechanisms, and long-term advantages of the ELI Scheme, which is designed to incentivise job creation and encourage formal workforce participation, particularly in underserved regions. Addressing the gathering, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-II Vinay Kumar stated that the ELI Scheme is expected to benefit around 1.92 crore first-time employees joining the formal workforce. The scheme is projected to create over 3.5 crore new jobs across India within the next two years, with a special emphasis on the manufacturing sector, where incentives are available for up to four years. For all other sectors, the incentive period spans two years.Officials from EPFO Srinagar delivered detailed presentations, highlighting the objectives, eligibility criteria, and operational framework of the scheme. They also emphasised the vital role of industries in leveraging the scheme to expand job opportunities and provide social security benefits to new employees. Participants included representatives from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), educational institutions, and HR professionals, who engaged in a lively Q&A session. The event concluded with positive feedback, with attendees appreciating the clarity, depth, and practical relevance of the information shared. EPFO officials reiterated their commitment to conducting similar awareness drives across other districts in the Union Territory to ensure maximum coverage and scheme implementation at the grassroots level.